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More reasons to take a short break...
Discover the many festivals and events that take place
in France and Belgium throughout 2013.
Feature Regions
2013 Events Available
Armada Rouen
Rouen, 6 - 16 June
Enjoy concerts, gigantic fireworks and the armada of 50 of the finest and largest sailing ships, the most modern warships and many other ships from all over the world.
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Reims Flea Market
Reims, first Sunday of every month
Pick up a bargain or just browse the stalls of antique and bric-a-brac dealers from across the region at this market at the Reims Parc des Expos on the first Sunday of every month.
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French Open Tennis
Paris, 26 May - 9 June
One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments attracting the best 500 players in the world. Held on clay courts at the Roland Garros Stadium.
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Fete de la Musique
Paris, Lille, Reims in France, 21 June
This is a free music fete rather than a festival and is open to any performers (amateur or professional). Singers, orchestras and choirs perform in unusual locations such as train stations, museums, parks and castles.
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Le Mans 24 Hour Race (24 Heures du Mans)
Le Mans (Loire), 22-23 June
The annual famous 24 hour motor race is held on a circuit in Le Mans which is partly private, partly public roads which are closed for this endurance event.
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Couleur Café Festival
Brussels, 28 - 30 June
An urban music festival featuring R&B, hip hop reggae, raga, dancehall, salsa, latin, rock, dance and more. In addition to four music marquees there is an art exhibition, 50 world kitchen stalls, flea market, dance classes and demonstrations.
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Paris Gay Pride
Paris, 29 June
A huge colourful parade through the city attracting more than half a million spectators. Other events include parties and balls.
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Summer of Opera
Burgundy, 30 June - 21 July
An annual event held in various locations across Burgundy since 1978.
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Ommegang
Brussels, 2 - 4 July
3000 spectators (including the Royal Family) fill the city's Grand' Place for this major event which has taken place since 1549. Local craftsmen in traditional costumes take part in a procession and there is also medieval jousting. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
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Ghent Jazz Festival
Ghent, 11 - 21 July
This annual event is held at the Bijloke Concert Hall, a converted medieval hospital with an impressive oak-beamed ceiling which really adds to the atmosphere. The festival starts with fairly mainstream concerts but by the end of the 12 days has progressed to jazz-fusion.
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Cactus Festival
Bruges, 12-14 July
An award-winning music festival which has been running for more than 20 years. It's a fairly small intimate event with just one stage but attracting some big international artists.
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Bastille Day
France, 14 July
It is France's most important national holiday with military parades, fireworks and dancing in the street.
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Reims Flea Market
Reims, first Sunday of every month
Pick up a bargain or just browse the stalls of antique and bric-a-brac dealers from across the region at this market at the Reims Parc des Expos on the first Sunday of every month.
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Kulturama
Leuven, 16-19 February
An exciting four day festival with an exciting mix of performances and activities to join in with, including theatre, dance, film, music, literature and more.
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Paris Cinema Festival
Paris, 28 June - 9 July
Every summer for a few days, Paris becomes the capital of cinema, thanks to the Paris Cinema festival presided over by the actress Charlotte Rampling.
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Les Flaneries Musicales d'Eté
Reims, 20 June - 12 July
The annual Summer Promenade features more than 100 concerts, most of them are free and organised in unusual locations. From classical to Jazz, the whole city celebrates music with two concerts each day. With renowned artists taking part, this event is definitely becoming a must for music lovers.
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Antwerp Beach
Antwerp
Each summer the Antwerp Docks on the banks of the River Scheldt are converted into an urban beach. Visitors can enjoy everything from a game of beach boules to live music and entertainment. And if you need to take a break from the sun, head to one of the cool bars and cafes along the beach.
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Belgium's National Day
Brussels, 21 July
The capital's streets are decorated with flags and filled with music, theatre and parades plus at night there is an impressive fireworks display over the Royal Palace.
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Summer of Opera
Burgundy, 30 June - 21 July
An annual event held in various locations across Burgundy since 1978.
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Ghent Festivities
Ghent, 20-29 July
Every year this long-established, ten-day cultural event takes over Ghent's historic city centre.
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Canal festival
Bruges, 1-31 August
The triennial Canal Festival recreates the history of the city by means of eight spectacles along the magically lit canals and on the Burg in the heart of Bruges.
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MAfestival - Flanders Festival
Bruges, 2-11 August
One of the most important early music festivals, focusing on the historical informed practice of early music.
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World Out Games
Antwerp, 3-11 August
A whole programme of sports, culture and human rights, make this a unique and inspiring event. For more details visit http://www.woga2013.org/
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Antwerp Pride
8-11 August
Celebrating gay-friendly Antwerp with a programme of parties, sports events, exhibitions and cultural activities.
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Hanswijk Procession
Mechelen, 25 August - 1 September
One of the oldest religious processions in Belgium and a wonderful sight to behold. The streets of medieval Mechelen are filled with people carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary accompanied by musicians, choirs and dance groups.
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Benenwerk - Bruges Ballroom
Bruges, 10 August
If you like Strictly Come Dancing, this could be the event for you. During "Benenwerk" (legwork) the streets of Bruges transform into a ballroom. There are ten stages with live bands, djs and lessons in various styles of dance including foxtrot, tango, salsa, street and more.
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Reims Flea Market
Reims, first Sunday of every month
Pick up a bargain or just browse the stalls of antique and bric-a-brac dealers from across the region at this market at the Reims Parc des Expos on the first Sunday of every month.
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Jazz Middelheim
Antwerp, 15-18 August
Every year in August enthusiasts of many different genres of jazz flock to Antwerp's beautiful Park Den Brandt.
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Ghent Festival of Flanders
Ghent, 14-28 September
A festival with a unique mix of diversity and creativity. Each year, over 180 concerts (classical and world music) are presented by more than 1500 international artists. Attracting over 55,000 visitors each year, the festival has become the talk of the music scene.
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Red Star Line Museum
Antwerp, Opening 27 September
The museum will open in the historic warehouses of the Red Line Shipping company. The museum tells the story of the shipping company, of its origins, its growth and demise. But above all, the museum focuses on the story of the millions of passengers of the shipping company migrating from Europe to North America.
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Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Paris, 4-7 October
Commonly known as the 'Arc', this internationally renowned racing event simply boasts the best card in European racing. The finest thoroughbreds compete to become racing legends on the historic 2,400 metre stretch at Longchamp race track. The betting is as rich as the history so bring your wallet. Over 70,000 spectators wearing fancy hats and elegant attire are on hand to catch the excitement. Between races there are jazz bands tempting you into champagne bars and marching parades to keep you entertained.
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Nuit Blanche
Brussels, 5 October
Nuit Blanche (which means "sleepless night" or "white night" in French), is a cultural event that opens up the city at night with sports, dance, arts and music events going on throughout the night.
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Brussels Marathon
Brussels, 6 October
Get you running shoes on! The Brussels Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on 6th October, and the finishing line for both races is at the amazing, historical Grand Place.
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FIAC - International Contemporary Art Fair
Paris 24-27 October
This annual event brings together anyone on the pulse of the art scene, from seasoned artists, to collectors and gallery owners from across the world. Paris couldn't be a better location to host one of the world's top contemporary art fairs since it's a magnet and hallmark of creative arts.
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International Film Festival of Flanders
Ghent, 8-19 October
Every year Ghent film festival presents some 200 feature films and short films from around the globe. The festival enjoys an excellent international reputation and is quite unique in focusing on the impact of music on film. The International Film Festival of Flanders Ghent is also the organizer and driving force behind the World Soundtrack Academy. The awards ceremony is inevitably the high point of the festival. Every year the festival also organizes concerts of film music and exhibitions which have a link with film.
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Kidexpo
Paris, 19-23 October
Part tradeshow, part fun park, the exhibition is held at Porte de Versailles and features booth after booth of hands-on fun for little ones. Previous exhibitions have had a mass of both electronic and physical games, as well as guided workshops where kids can do activities such as build their own houses and cars. For smaller kids, there are corners for toddlers to play with the year's hottest toys and gadgets.
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Please note that the above events are subject to change
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